1200GS - I'm tempted

Jonny_L · Post by **Jonny_L** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:56 pm

Well, it's only been a year since I bought my roadster, but I'm thinking about getting a GS. It was the bike that brought me into the BMW dealership in the first place, and ever since I keep thinking about it.
I love the R, don't get me wrong, I think it's a great bike, but I just fancy the 1200 motor, and the off road-go anywhere ability of the GS.

I'm lucky enough to be able to just about afford a good one, and I'm close to putting a deposit down!

Anyone else been tempted? They're lovely bikes, I just tested one, gotta love the wind protection, and they're much less vibey. I'm gonna mull it over for a bit I think.

johno · Post by **johno** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 2:54 pm

I rode one when they 1st came out, and was very impressed.
Lack of money, and supply problems stopped me from buying.
Rode the 1200GS ADV recently, and what a weapon.
Far better than anything I have ridden, so need to save real bad.

You wont go wrong with the GS.

Mr Episkopos · Post by **Mr Episkopos** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:53 pm

Nah. To many problems. I prefer 1150 GS better

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:11 pm

Seriously Jonny, are you going offroad with it? They're an awesome bike to ride, but almost getting common now round here! All depends on what you are going to do with it I reckon, but if mixed touring / two-up & maybe some trail stuff then go for it - you've earned it & it's your money to spend.

I take it you've seen ukGSer.com too? They have a dedicated section for 'considerers'.

I went down to Dorchester yesterday & it amused me that there was an old guy inside signing books, who'd been round the world twice on fairly modest bikes, whilst the carpark was stuffed with GoreTex & body-armour, unmarked bashplates, Metal Mules for carrying Touratech brochures & Garmins that only ever navigate to Box Hill car park and back via B&Q Dorking (in the dry).

Mr Episkopos · Post by **Mr Episkopos** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:14 pm

hahaha We have a lot of that kind of riders here in Greece too.

Jonny_L · Post by **Jonny_L** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:28 pm

hirsty wrote:Seriously Jonny, are you going offroad with it? They're an awesome bike to ride, but almost getting common now round here! All depends on what you are going to do with it I reckon, but if mixed touring / two-up & maybe some trail stuff then go for it - you've earned it & it's your money to spend.

I take it you've seen ukGSer.com too? They have a dedicated section for 'considerers'.

I went down to Dorchester yesterday & it amused me that there was an old guy inside signing books, who'd been round the world twice on fairly modest bikes, whilst the carpark was stuffed with GoreTex & body-armour, unmarked bashplates, Metal Mules for carrying Touratech brochures & Garmins that only ever navigate to Box Hill car park and back via B&Q Dorking (in the dry).

I think if I'd earned the money properly I'd have less to consider, but this is actually part of my late Grandfather's estate, so it's a bit of a difficult dicision to make. He used to ride bikes and loved seeing mine, so I'm sure he'd be happy about it, it's an incredible machine after all

Yeah UKGSer.com is awesome for info, nice bunch of guys.

Don't suppose that was Ted Simon was it? I hear he's about at the moment doing signings, I wish I'd gone to the Ace Cafe for it. True though, you see so many Ewan/Charlie wannabe's about

Actually saying that, The fact I'm watching Long Way Round again right now isn't really a good idea, as it's making me want one more!

I was thinking about an 1150GS, but I think it'll be too much like the R in terms of performance so I'd rather have something different. Funny thing is, I've not even considered any other bikes, I've known all along the 12GS is my next bike, it's a when, more than an if!

MIXR · Post by **MIXR** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:22 pm

Jonny - I've done lots of kilometres on my 1150R, including a few very big trips. I also considered the 1200GS, and have now ridden four of them, all different. My brother bought one, and I ride with him often. They are a brilliant bike, well-suited to tarmac touring as much as dirt road stuff. A very good all-round touring bike.

However - I don't like them. There is something about their handling that I can't quite come to grips with. I could live with one, but am just not prepared to spend the money yet. I keep coming back to the 1150GS Adventure, but they are getting hard to find with low use and low kilometres these days. I'll probably end up on a 1200GS, but will always regret not buying the 1150GS Adv.

Guess I'm saying that you need to ride a few 1200GS's, and do a decent ride if you can. You may find the 1200R is a better choice. It is very different to the 1150R, but has the same 'feel'. The 1200GS is 'different'. The 1200GS Adv is just a monster. I get a nose-bleed climbing on the things.

In the end, spend whatever you need to spend on whatever takes your fancy. If your inheritance also represents an affinity for bikes from your Grandfather - Then it was probably meant to be.

triggerfish · Post by **triggerfish** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:27 pm

Jonny_L wrote: I think if I'd earned the money properly I'd have less to consider, but this is actually part of my late Grandfather's estate, so it's a bit of a difficult dicision to make. He used to ride bikes and loved seeing mine, so I'm sure he'd be happy about it, it's an incredible machine after all

Wow! Talk about rationalizing! You even had your late grandpappy agreeing to it.

Are we talking defection here or mutiny?? Because I just as much would want to be part of it, Captain!

Roll out the 1200Gs!!!

triggerfish · Post by **triggerfish** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:34 pm

But having just said that, I think MIXR makes a lot of sense. I'll get more test rides on the GS and feel how "different" it really is. And that comment on MIXR getting a nosebleed just climbing on the GSAdv is so funny! Thanks for starting my day right!

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:19 am

If you like the style, but aren't off-roading, how about a supermoto conversion?

Seriously though, there's no reason other than money to choose an 1150 instead of a 1200 if you already have an R - it wouldn't be different enough, the 1200 is faster, lighter & easier to ride IMO. I like all the tricked-up Wunderlich stuff with carbon fibre bits, but's that's just me ...

Most people worry too much about what other people think - if I could only ride on Sundays for two-hours then damn right I'd have a Ducati 1098. If people had a problem with me never getting it out of second gear, well then that's up to them.

Make sure you get a good enough test ride so that you're convinced you could live with it - two dealers if necessary (Bahnstormer have re-opened the SPC site in Alton, that's near you?).

ranmar850 · Post by **ranmar850** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:22 am

I hired a 1200GS for 16 days/3,500km of mostly bitumen and was blown away by it's all-round ability. Fully loaded with givi's, topbox and pillion it just ate everything I threw at it. The high seating position doesn't agree with some, but the visibility is excellent and cornering clearance superb. I actually had little chance to ride it solo, without luggage, but when I did-wow. I was seriously considering trading the Rockster when I got home, even more so after I got back on it for the first time

Where'd that vibration come from--f*ck, the front tire must be flat (first corner)-it feels a bit flat on power--just so different.

But a few rides restored the relationship) It was money, and the feeling that it may not be quite so good on the flat, straight roads at home--but hell, there is a lot of adventure riding roads starting close to here--damn, youv'e got me considering it again!

I don't think you'd be sorry....

Jonny_L · Post by **Jonny_L** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:12 am

Well folks, I'm afraid I'll be out of here soon

I'm off to put a deposit down this afternoon

I'm getting a red 2005 (55 plate) R1200GS with 5300 miles on the clock, just enough to have the 6k service before I get it!. Funnily enough, it's almost exactly the same age and mileage as my Roadster!

I'm gonna try selling the R privately for a week or 2, but otherwise I'll part exchange it. Will be a real shame to see it go, it was the first bike I ever did any touring on so I'll always have a soft spot for it. But still, I'll be somewhat comforted by the GS. Well, once I've sorted out a sargent seat for it, that is.

(yes, you get your manly bits squashed on GS's too!

)

I'll be selling some very tasty 1150 parts too, so I'll be in the for sale section soon! You won't see the back of me that easily though, I'm sure I'll still be back, even if it's just to look at the nice pictures in the great rides section!

Post by **wncbmw** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:23 am

Jonny_L - no need to leave! We have many former Roadster or Rockster members still hanging around!

The 1200GS is a sweet ride. Needs shorter shocks for me!

The Velvet Monkey · Post by **The Velvet Monkey** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:34 pm

Got to test ride one last year at Daytona and fell in love with the upright seating postion and smooth power delivery. I could see where I could put a lot of comfy miles down on one.

It's number one on my list for my next bike--a great companion to my R.

But.....I test drove the new Triumph Tiger several weeks ago and was blown away. The GS has got a (much cheaper) competitor for my affections now.

johno · Post by **johno** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 9:01 pm

I rode the 2001 Tiger, and I liked it.
The only things that stopped me buying one was, chain drive, service costs, and accesories cost.
I can do all of my own maintenance on my Beemer, but would struggle on the Tiger.
Only BMW for me thanks.

deptom · Post by **deptom** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 4:06 pm

Be careful of the dark side Jonny!

Jonny_L · Post by **Jonny_L** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:29 am

Well folks, today I picked up my new bike

It's horrible out there at the moment so I won't take pics just yet. Here's one I stole from the dealers website for now:

It's superb, in a word. For such a big bike it's amazing how well balanced it is. I've only put 10 miles on it from the dealers, but already I'm over the moon with it.

I'm not going anywhere though

I may spend less time here now, but I can't avoid the fact the R is an awesome machine, and as I say, you guys have some of the best ride pictures I've seen

REDSTAN · Post by **REDSTAN** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:02 pm

$\:D/$

you have just joined the world wide tosser club(see ukgser,s explanation of tosser)

you will not regret the passing of the r1150r it served you well but the gs is more fun all round

i now ride a r1150r as the 1150gs adventure got a little bit to heavy for me. had the gs for 18mt did 21.000mls no probs . the 12 is a good bike but in my opinion the 1150s better.

JOIN THE UKGSER SITE AND ENJOY

Jonny_L · Post by **Jonny_L** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:40 pm

Oh yes, I've been on there since I started thinking about it. I'm now officially a full blown tosser

I do know what you mean about the 1150 engine, they have something special about them. The 1200GS's are 20kg's less than the 1150R. It's amazing to think they knocked nearly 50kg's off the old GS!

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WELL WELL JONNY_L